total hip replacement surgery?

Question

Is there anyone who has had total hip replacement surgery who could tell me about their expercince with recovery time and the time it took them to push past the fear of fall's and how long it took them to return to a normal gate while walking

Answer 1

I've had both of my hips replaced in separate surgeries several months apart. I understand that fear of falling - I was terrified that I would fall and not be able to get up! Because of that fear I carried a cell phone with me wherever I went just so I could phone someone if this happened (it never did!). I used a single crutch or a cane until about 12 weeks after surgery. Using the crutch or cane reduced my chances of falling and I felt more secure when I used it. But eventually, with physical therapy and walking increased distances, your muscles regain their strength and losing your balance becomes less of a worry. As for the time it took to walk "normally" i.e. without a limp, I suppose I was walking fine after 3 months - I didn't walk all that fast but I didn't limp so no one watching me would have known that I had two fake hips! I took walks of increasing distance every day. Also, my physical therapist gave me exercises that re-established my balance and strengthened my thigh muscles. I had outpatient PT 2-3 times a week until about the 8th week. Than I was on my own. I am a different person now that I've had my hips fixed. It's a miracle surgery in many ways because I was definitely headed for a wheelchair-bound existence without the THRs.

Answer 2

I've had both hips replaced in separate surgeries. 1. I was in the hospital 4 days after each surgery. That would be typical but a stay could be shorter (or longer). 2. I had physical therapy visits in the hospital starting on day 1. The exercises were mostly bed exercises and, or course, walking. After I went home I had in-home PT visits 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks. After that I went to outpatient PT. the regimen gradually was revised as I got stronger, improved my balance, and weaned myself from my crutches and cane. 3. I had no "brace". However I was sent home with an abduction cushion that I was directed to sleep in. It was an awful thing, wedge-shaped, that was strapped between the legs to keep the hip joint straight while sleeping. It also required that the patient sleep on their back. As soon as I was able I ditched the abduction cushion, switched to a fat bed pillow, and rolled to my good side. 4. As for your question about extended hospital stays, it is possible that some patients move to a rehab facility for a time before going home. Most people are able to go directly home from the hospital. However there can be situations where some sort of intermediate care may be advisable. This could include someone who lives alone, has a poor social support system, has other medical problems, or even someone who has both hips replaced in one surgery.

Answer 3

You will be allowed only limited movement immediately after hip replacement surgery. When you are in bed, pillows or a special device are usually used to brace the hip in the correct position. You may receive fluids through an intravenous tube to replace fluids lost during surgery. There also may be a tube located near the incision to drain fluid, and a type of tube called a catheter may be used to drain urine until you are able to use the bathroom. The doctor will prescribe medicine for pain or discomfort.

On the day after surgery or sometimes on the day of surgery, therapists will teach you exercises to improve recovery. A respiratory therapist may ask you to breathe deeply, cough, or blow into a simple device that measures lung capacity. These exercises reduce the collection of fluid in the lungs after surgery.

As early as 1 to 2 days after surgery, you may be able to sit on the edge of the bed, stand, and even walk with assistance.

While you are still in the hospital, a physical therapist may teach you exercises such as contracting and relaxing certain muscles, which can strengthen the hip. Because the new, artificial hip has a more limited range of movement than a natural, healthy hip, the physical therapist also will teach you the proper techniques for simple activities of daily living, such as bending and sitting, to prevent injury to your new hip.

Usually, people do not spend more than 3 to 5 days in the hospital after hip replacement surgery. Full recovery from the surgery takes about 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of surgery, your overall health, and the success of your rehabilitation.

Answer 4

As a healthcare provider who has been in the business for over thirty years, I can tell you that it is very individual.. It depends ALOT on motivation. Those who work hard at physical therapy ,when they are able to start it, do great. And I've seen people who do not try at all and end up in the nursing home. If you are dedicated to returning to your previous level of functioning....you will.....barring unforseen problems. As far as 'fears of falling' its usually present in everyone in the beginning. But confidence rises with the progress made in therapy and using the hip again. You can do it! Listen only to those that tell you positive things...they are the ones who had the right attitude.

Answer 5

I know quit a few people who have had, I am not one of them. I can tell you that it seems to be much easier than knee replacement. My cousin had it. She has been miserable for years. She is now running! She had very little pain after the surgery and was up and moving right after and back to working as a waitress in 3 months. My mom went with her to the hospital and when she was out of recovery mom went in to see her, expecting her to be in bad shape. My mom walked in and she looked up at her with remote in hand and said, "What ya' wanna' watch?" We knew that was a good sign.

Answer 6

Rod Stewart just had both hips done and he is doing great!

Answer 7

No sorry , I am waiting for mine at the moment Good luck.